I put the leaked .53 on this morning. Tonight I hooked up to DM and it wanted to update the device software via download from the internet, but it doesn't say what version it is. I suspect since it saw .53 it actually wants to downgrade.

This may be a noob mistake, but be sure to backup completely before you upgrade to .53.

It seems to me that with previous upgrades, the DM created a backup and put everything back after the upgrade. Not this time, having to redo a bunch of Messenger contacts and wallpapers and re-sync contacts, calendar stuff and all. Also, all e-mails and text messages gone.

Apparently, Verizon has not posted the update on their website or for wireless download yet. The updates via the Desktop Manager are from RIM, and they will not work for a BES device.

Not true, I am on an BES and I upgraded via the Desktop Manager. I had to re-activate on my BES afterwards, but there is nothing stopping me from upgrading.

In my 5 hours of playing around with it, it seems slightly more responsive on certain things. For instance, it used to take anywhere from 0 seconds to 30 seconds to respond to a key press when locked. This would result in a ridiculous wait time to unlock the phone. I think I also missed a few calls because of this. It's like the device was constantly working while locked. On .53, the device has been responsive each time I have unlocked it, almost immediately.

I'm holding out hope that this fixes my battery issue (12 hours from 100% to radio off).

Apparently, Verizon has not posted the update on their website or for wireless download yet. The updates via the Desktop Manager are from RIM, and they will not work for a BES device.

Not true, I am on an BES and I upgraded via the Desktop Manager. I had to re-activate on my BES afterwards, but there is nothing stopping me from upgrading.

In my 5 hours of playing around with it, it seems slightly more responsive on certain things. For instance, it used to take anywhere from 0 seconds to 30 seconds to respond to a key press when locked. This would result in a ridiculous wait time to unlock the phone. I think I also missed a few calls because of this. It's like the device was constantly working while locked. On .53, the device has been responsive each time I have unlocked it, almost immediately.

I'm holding out hope that this fixes my battery issue (12 hours from 100% to radio off).

What I was referring to is that the DM will not detect and offer to download/install the upgrade in a BES configuration (at least in my case). I had to download the "leaked" upgrade manually in order to install it via DM or the AppLoader -- BES reactivation is always necessary after an OS upgrade.

Here is an interesting note.
I upgraded to the leaked version yesterday morning. Last night after this thread started, I hooked up to DM and it told me there was an update available. I didn't want to do it then because I suspected it would put me back to .40. When I clicked "check for updates" I got the BES message.
This AM, I went ahead with the popped up upgrade that it told me was available when I plugged in. It was .53.
I suspect that this is because I still had the software on my laptop. But, I had already upgraded so it all seemed a little strange.
Anyway, I went through with it and it clearly wasn't a true upgrade. More like a synchronization of files. No need to reactivate on BES and no long backup, erase, restore process.
So when the file shows up on SmithMicro, I'll probably do it again, depending on the file name.

Having purchased the 'geen dot' Tour, my build quality was not an issue, ie. trackball, battery case etc. What was an issue was the phone 'call' quality ie., the muffled sound the people heard when I spoke to them was more than annoying. The only way to improve this was to hold the phone snug to my cheek holding the phone at 3/4 o'clock. After downloading the OS I recorded my personal greeting holding the phone the way most of us do (away from my face in the 3 to 5 o'clock position. The voice quality has improved IMO. It sounds more crisp, still a bit heavy on the bass, but more crsip and understandable. Only time will tell if this a real fix or just my wishful thinking.

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So far I've noticed when deleting emails it happens quicker and I can change screens without the pause in between. Still have a minor trackball issue,waiting for new unit. Upgrade was smooth no lost data other than bbm conversations. Overall it seems a bit quicker